The Beatles may have split up more than forty years ago, but most Americans consider them influential and think their music holds up well today. They are also viewed as the better band in a head to head match-up with the Rolling Stones. Few Americans deny the influence of the Beatles. Two-thirds say the band has had a great deal of influence on music and popular culture. Even a majority of those who dislike the Beatles say they have had a great deal of impact.

Also, most – nearly seven in 10 – say the Beatles’ music has held up well and still sounds current and fresh today; just 25% disagree and think it’s out of date.

In an open-ended question, the poll asked Americans to name their favorite Beatles song. “Hey Jude” tops the list (9%), just edging out second place finisher “Yellow Submarine” (8%). “All You Need is Love”, “Let it Be”, and “Yesterday” are each mentioned by 5%, followed by “A Hard Day’s Night” (4%), and “I Want to Hold Your Hand” (4%). The Beatles played “I Want to Hold Your Hand” in their first Ed Sullivan appearance on February 9th, 1964.